Reactions to Trauma-Related Research and Motivations for Participation among Korean College Students with Trauma Experiences

Abstract

Trauma-related research is essential for advancing knowledge, yet ethical concerns persist regarding participant distress. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study examined reactions to trauma-related research and motivations for future participation among Korean college students. Participants (N = 138) completed measures of trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, perceived understanding of informed consent, and reactions to research participation. Quantitative analyses indicated that greater perceived understanding was associated with higher willingness to participate, fewer perceived drawbacks, and more favorable global evaluations. Elevated PTSD symptoms were associated with stronger emotional reactions and greater perceived drawbacks. Participants without elevated PTSD symptoms also reported more favorable benefit-to-emotional-reaction evaluations. Qualitative content analysis of open-ended responses revealed that motivations for future participation differed by PTSD symptom status, with non-elevated participants emphasizing the value of trauma research and elevated participants highlighting self-understanding and trauma reappraisal. Overall, findings highlight importance of incorporating participant perspectives to support ethical and inclusive trauma research.

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